In a bid to enhance sustainable efforts in the sports and entertainment industry, Ethara has announced its membership of the Green Operations and Advanced Leadership (GOAL) Programme. It is the first organisation in the Middle East and the first Formula One (F1) promoter to join the global sustainability initiative.
GOAL is a sustainability driven membership, validation and support network for sports, entertainment and live event venues, and includes some of the world’s leading stadiums, arenas, theatres and convention centres in North America and Europe. GOAL was founded by Oak View Group (OVG) in partnership with Fenway Sports Group, the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena, and Jason F. McLennan.
Some of the pre-existing GOAL members include Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, UBS Arena in New York and Co-op Live in Manchester.
Ethara will focus its sustainability mission through four core pillars; driving climate action – aiming to reach net zero by 2040, responsible resource usage – helping to build a zero-waste future, maximising water efficiency – enhancing the regional water ecosystem, and building a balanced energy mix – creating a stable, sustainable and flexible energy system.
“We are thrilled to become the first entity in the region participating in the GOAL programme”, said Saif Rashid Al Noaimi, CEO of Ethara. “This membership underscores our commitment to sustainability, while setting a new standard for major venue and event management in the Middle East.”
“As the first global Formula 1 promoter, and the region’s first organisation to become members, we are again demonstrating our innovation-focused leadership in this dynamic, ever-evolving market.”
GOAL adds to a pre-established sustainability framework at Ethara, now named ‘The Ethara Edge’ – including certifications, third-party validation, and alignment with partners and industry leaders.
“Ethara’s evident commitment to sustainable operations is an inspiring example that we are thrilled to share across the expanding GOAL Member network”, said Chris Granger, President of OVG360. “The Ethara Edge platform showcases Ethara’s vision for a sustainable future, and one that we are thrilled to support through GOAL’s measurement tools and GOAL Medal recognition program.”